Cursor is an AI-powered integrated development environment for Windows, macOS and Linux designed to enhance developer productivity by integrating advanced artificial intelligence features directly into the coding environment. It is a fork of Visual Studio Code with additional AI features like code generation, smart rewrites and codebase queries. Cursor is proprietary software and developed by Anysphere Inc, an applied research lab involved in building AI systems.[1]
Cursor has a wide range of features using large language models to manipulate text with autocomplete and chat query function. As it is a fork of Visual Studio Code, existing extensions and settings are able to be integrated into the user's workflow.
Cursor includes several key features aimed at improving software development workflows:
AI-Powered Code Generation: Cursor allows developers to write code using natural language instructions. By providing simple prompts, users can generate or update entire classes or functions, streamlining the coding process.[2]
Intelligent Autocompletion: The editor predicts subsequent code edits, enabling users to navigate through changes efficiently. This feature facilitates rapid development by anticipating the developer's needs.[3]
Codebase Understanding: Cursor can comprehend and provide insights into the entire codebase. Developers can query the codebase in natural language to retrieve information or refer to specific files and documentation, enhancing code comprehension and navigation.[4]
Smart Rewrites: The editor offers smart rewrite capabilities, allowing users to update multiple lines of code simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for refactoring and implementing bulk changes efficiently.[5]
Extension Compatibility: As a fork of Visual Studio Code, Cursor supports the integration of existing extensions, themes, and keybindings. This compatibility ensures that developers can maintain their preferred workflows without disruption.[6]
History
Anysphere was founded in 2022 by Sualeh Asif, Arvid Lunnemark, Aman Sanger and Micheal Truell, four friends that met while studying at MIT.[7] In 2023, they launched Cursor and later that year raised $8 million in seed funding, led by OpenAI's Startup Fund.[7] In August 2024, Anysphere raised $60 million in a Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, valuing the company at $400 million.[8] In November 2024, Anysphere announced that it had acquired AI coding assistant Supermaven.[9]
Privacy and security
Cursor offers privacy options, including a Privacy Mode where the user's code is never stored remotely. The platform is SOC 2 certified, ensuring adherence to industry-standard security practices.[10]
Community and adoption
Cursor has garnered attention from engineers at companies such as Shopify, OpenAI, and Instacart. Users have reported significant workflow improvements, citing the editor's intuitive AI integration and efficiency in code generation and editing.[11]
Comparison with other AI code editors
In comparison to other AI-powered code editors like GitHub Copilot, Cursor offers deep integration within its standalone environment, providing advanced customization options. While both tools aim to enhance coding efficiency, the choice between them may depend on individual preferences regarding integration and workflow.[12]
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